$1 million endowment fund bolsters music school

FRIDAY 28 MARCH 2008

The Australian National University today announced the creation of a new endowment fund and a range of measures to ensure a strong future for the ANU School of Music.

The University has allocated $1 million to seed the ANU Music Endowment Fund, which will support the activities at the School that are of direct benefit to the cultural life of the ACT community.

“ANU is committed to the School of Music, its students, and the important role it plays in the cultural life of the region,” ANU Vice-Chancellor Professor Ian Chubb said. “That’s why we’ve invited the ACT Government to match our contribution to this endowment fund, which will provide a secure and stable base for musical education and enjoyment for the entire community. We will also welcome the support of community members to maintain this important musical institution.”

The endowment fund is one outcome of a recent review of the School of Music, which has looked at ways of ensuring the School’s long-term viability. After consulting with staff and students over the last few weeks, ANU has announced several measures to build on the past success of the School.

“We intend to use the endowment to fund a new centre at the School of Music that will build on our existing links with schools, the community, technical colleges and industry,” Professor Chubb said. “This will increase development opportunities for the pre-tertiary and adult learner, and could provide a central point for community music organisations across the ACT.

“In a similar vein, we’re exploring ways to strengthen our relationship with the University of Canberra so that students studying music may be able to study music pedagogy at the same time.

“We will commission an independent curriculum review for reforms to be implemented over the next two years,” Professor Chubb said. “We want to be able to use our existing resources more efficiently, meaning that we can continue to offer top-quality musical education in areas like classics and jazz. We also want to identify new areas in which we could grow the number and type of courses on offer.”

To maximise the value of the ANU Music Endowment Fund, the University will appoint a new Development Manager at the School of Music who will identify opportunities to promote the school and its links with external organisations. ANU will also begin a national and international search for a new Head for the School of Music to replace the current interim leader, whose term will end mid-year.

For more information: ANU media office Jane O’Dwyer 02 6125 5001, 0416 249 231